Selectively configurable chair system

ABSTRACT

A stowable chair system having a base assembly and a back pivotably connected to the base assembly. A first leg retention assembly operatively coupled to the base assembly to selectively retain and position legs in a seating configuration. A second leg retention assembly separate from the first leg retention assembly to selectively retain and position the legs in a stowing configuration.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to chairs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Portable chairs are useful for transporting a chair to a desiredlocation where the chair can be set up and used. One exemplaryapplication for such a chair is hunting, which often requires a user toboth transport a chair to a relatively inaccessible location and stayseated for long periods of time during the hunt. Other exemplaryapplications include sporting events, social events, and ice fishing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention include a stowable chair system. Such achair system is useful for providing a chair that can be placed in astowed configuration so that it can easily be transported to a desiredlocation for use. Some embodiments of the invention are particularlyuseful for use as a hunting chair, where the chair can be placed in itsstowed configuration and carried to a hunting location where it can beplaced in a seating configuration for use by a hunter. Embodiments ofthe invention are also useful at sporting events, social events, and forice fishing.

Some embodiments of the invention include a chair with a first legretention assembly and a second leg retention assembly. The first legretention assembly is useful for retaining chair legs in a seatingconfiguration, and the second leg retention assembly is useful forretaining chair legs in a stowing configuration. Further, someembodiments also include a swivel system to allow a user seated in thechair to swivel with respect to the legs when the chair is in theseating configuration. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention providea chair that is both easily stowable in a compact shape for transportingto desired locations, as well as large and comfortable for a user thatis seated in the chair, even for long periods of time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of theinvention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. Thedrawings are not necessarily to scale (unless so stated) and areintended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the followingdetailed description. Embodiments of the invention will hereinafter bedescribed in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein likenumerals denote like elements.

FIG. 1 shows a side plan view of a chair in a seating configuration inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a front plan view of a chair in a seating configuration inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3A shows a back plan view with hidden lines of a chair in a stowingconfiguration in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3B shows a back plan view with hidden lines of a chair withintegrated handles in a stowing configuration in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A shows a top plan view of a chair foot in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B shows a side plan view of a chair foot in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawing and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill, nevertheless, be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended; any alterations and further modificationsof the described or illustrated embodiments, and any furtherapplications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein,are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art towhich the invention relates. It should be noted that all references tovertical, horizontal, above, below, front, rear, left, right and thelike are terms of convenience referring to the chair as positioned in aseating configuration.

Embodiments of the invention include a stowable chair system 10. Such achair system 10 is useful for providing a chair that can be placed in astowed configuration such that it can easily be transported to a desiredlocation for use. Some embodiments of the invention are particularlyuseful for use as a hunting chair, where the chair can be placed in itsstowed configuration and carried to a hunting location where it can beplaced in a seating configuration for use by a hunter, and for use atsporting events, social events, and for ice fishing.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3A, some embodiments of the invention include achair system 10 with a first leg retention assembly 20 and a second legretention assembly 30. The first leg retention assembly is useful forretaining first, second, third, and fourth legs 40, 42, 44, 46 in aseating configuration as shown in FIGS. 1-2, while the second legretention assembly is useful for retaining first, second, third, andfourth legs in a stowing configuration, as shown in FIG. 3A.

As shown by comparison of FIGS. 1-2 with FIG. 3A, in some embodimentsthe first leg retention assembly 20 is operatively coupled to a baseassembly 50 to selectively retain and position the first, second, thirdand fourth legs 40, 42, 44, 46 in a seating configuration, and thesecond leg retention assembly 30 is separate from the first legretention assembly to selectively retain and position the first, second,third, and fourth legs in a stowing configuration. Such an arrangementallows for a compact size for easier portability in the stowingconfiguration.

The first leg retention assembly 20 can include any structure useful forretaining the legs 40, 42, 44, 46 in a configuration useful for seating(i.e., extending generally downward from a base supporting a seatingsurface). In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2, the first leg retentionassembly includes first, second, third, and fourth leg attachmentmembers 60, 62, 64 (the fourth leg attachment is not shown in FIG. 1 or2) extending from the base assembly 50. In some embodiments, eachattachment member has a cross-sectional dimension slightly less than itscorresponding leg, such that it fits inside of its corresponding leg (orvice-versa). Each attachment member can also include a spring loadedprotrusion (not shown) that engages a corresponding aperture 68 (FIG. 1)to lock the leg to its respective attachment member. In suchembodiments, when a user desires to remove the leg, the user may depressthe protrusion to unlock the leg from its respective attachment member.

The second leg retention assembly 30 can include any structure usefulfor retaining the legs 40, 42, 44, 46 in a configuration useful forstowing. In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3A, the second legretention assembly allows the first, second, third, and forth legs to beparallel to each other when in the stowing configuration. In suchembodiments, each of the legs may reside in a single plane. Further, thelegs can be in apposition to each other (e.g., the first leg can be inapposition to the second leg, the second leg can be in apposition to thefirst leg and the third leg, the third leg can be in apposition to thesecond leg and the fourth leg, and the fourth leg can be in appositionto the third leg, or any similar arrangement). Such embodiments allowthe chair to assume a compact shape when in the stowing configuration.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3A, the second leg retentionassembly 30 includes a strap system having one or more straps 72, 74(each strap may include a single strap member that is folded back onitself or two joinable strap members) useful for retaining the legs. Inthe embodiment shown, the first, second, third, and fourth legs areretained only by straps 72, 74, such that no other mechanism is requiredto retain the legs in the stowing configuration. In one embodiment, thestrap system includes two hook and corresponding loop straps attached toa back 78 of the chair 10. In some embodiments, the strap system alsoincludes a ring (e.g., a 1 inch rectangular plastic ring). In suchembodiments, each strap (e.g., a hook and loop strap) is threadedthrough the ring, pulled tight, and then secured to itself. Suchembodiments allow the legs to be retained tighter than overlapping hookand loop straps without such a ring.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3A, the back 78 has a firstperimeter edge 80 and a second perimeter edge 82 opposite the firstperimeter edge. The back 78 can also have a third perimeter edge 84 anda fourth perimeter edge 86 opposite the third perimeter edge. In certainembodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth legs do not extendbeyond any of the first, second, third, or fourth perimeter edges whenretained by the second leg retention assembly 30 in the stowingconfiguration.

As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments the base assembly 50 defines aplane P and the first, second, third, and fourth legs 40, 42, 44, 46extend from the plane when retained by the first leg retention assembly20 in the seating configuration. In such a configuration, the first,second, third, and fourth legs are generally parallel to the plane whenretained by the second leg retention assembly 30 in the stowingconfiguration, as shown in FIG. 3A.

The back 78 is configured to supply a comfortable supportive member to auser sitting in the chair 10. In some embodiments, it is pivotablyconnected (e.g., via a bolt) to the base assembly 50 such that it can befolded with respect to the base assembly to provide a compact shape forthe stowing configuration. In some embodiments, the back 78 has a firstupright member 90 and a second upright member 92 spaced from the firstupright member. The back 78 can also have a first horizontal framemember 94 and a second horizontal member 96 connected to the first andsecond upright members. In such embodiments, the second horizontalmember can be spaced from the first horizontal member. Further, as shownin FIG. 3A, an area A (e.g., a rectangular area) defined by the firstand second upright members and the first and second horizontal memberscan be sized to receive the first, second, third, and fourth legs 40,42, 44, 46 when the first, second, third, and fourth legs are retainedby the second leg retention assembly 30 in the stowing configuration. Insome embodiments, the distance between the first and second horizontalmembers is such that the first leg can be in apposition to the firsthorizontal member and the fourth leg can be in apposition to the secondhorizontal member while the legs are in apposition to each other whenretained in the second leg retention assembly. In embodiments where thesecond leg retention assembly includes a strap system, the strap systemcan include straps 72, 74 spanning (and optionally attached to) thefirst and second horizontal members. The members themselves can be anyrigid member, and in some embodiments include elongated hollow memberswith a square or circular cross-sectional shape comprising aluminum(e.g., powder-coated aluminum).

In some embodiments, the back 78 includes a substrate 100 spanning thearea defined by the first and second upright members 90, 92 and thefirst and second horizontal members 94, 96. Further, a back fabric 104can be provided in apposition to the substrate to span the area definedby the first and second upright members and the first and secondhorizontal members. In a particular embodiment, the fabric includes apolyester.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the base assembly 50 can include any structurefor supporting a user sitting on the chair 10 and for supporting thefirst leg retention assembly 20. In some embodiments, the base assembly50 includes a first base member 110 pivotably connected to the back 78and providing a seating surface for a user (e.g., with a cushion andfabric 112). In such embodiments, the seating surface and the backfabric of the back can be in apposition when the chair is in the stowingconfiguration. As shown in FIGS. 1-3A, the base assembly 50 can alsoinclude a second base member 120 spaced from the first base member. Inthis embodiments, the second base member includes (e.g., is attached toor is integrally formed therewith) the first leg retention assembly 20.Further, in such embodiments, the first base member can be swivablyconnected to the second base member by a swivel system 130. Such aswivel system allows a user seated in the chair to swivel with respectto the legs 40, 42, 44, 46 when the chair is in the seatingconfiguration. In some embodiments, the swivel system includes arotatable bearing assembly that allows the first base member to swivel360 degrees relative to the second base member. Preferably, the swivelsystem is quiet during a swivel operation so as not to alert any prey ofthe presence of a hunter if the chair is being used during a hunt.Accordingly, because of the configuration of the first and second legretention assemblies, embodiments of the invention provide a compactstowable chair that also provides a swiveling function.

The legs 40, 42, 44, 46 can be any rigid member, and in some embodimentsinclude elongated hollow members with a square or circularcross-sectional shape comprising aluminum (e.g., powder-coatedaluminum). In some embodiments, the legs are adjustable in length (e.g.,between about 13 to about 18 inches). In such embodiments, asillustrated on leg 40 in FIG. 1, each leg can include a first leg member150 with a series of apertures 160 and a second leg member 170 receivedwithin the first leg member. The second leg member can include a springloaded protrusion (not shown) to engage one of the series of apertures.Of course, these features could be reversed with the first leg memberhaving a spring loaded protrusion and the second leg member having aseries of apertures. In use, a user can depress the protrusion andengage the first and second leg members until the protrusion is alignedwith an aperture corresponding to a desired height. When the desiredaperture is reached the protrusion can be allowed to engage the apertureto set the height of the leg.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4A-B, the chair system 10 canalso include a foot 200 (e.g., first, second, third, and fourth feet)detachably attached (e.g., via pins) to the first, second, third, andfourth legs 40, 42, 44, 46, respectively. In some embodiments, each foot200 has a portion with a horizontal cross-section area greater than ahorizontal cross-section of the respective leg. As shown in FIGS. 4A-B,in some embodiments, the foot has an upright portion 206 which canextend into a leg when attached, and a horizontal portion 208 forplacing in apposition to a support surface such as the ground. Suchembodiments are useful for providing increased stabilization when thechair is in the seating configuration. Further, because the feet areeasily detachable, they can be removed before the chair is placed in thestowing configuration.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3A, the chair system 10 can also include first andsecond arms 300, 302. In some embodiments, the first and second arms arepivotably coupled to the back 78 to provide a compact size in thestowing configuration. In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, thefirst and second arms are pivotably connected to the back via bolts 306.In some embodiments, the arms include padded arm rests 308 over a ridgedmember 310 to provide comfort to a user.

Some embodiments of the chair 10 include integrated handles to enhancethe chair's portability while in the stowing configuration. As shown inFIG. 3B, a handle 350 can be attached to the chair at a locationconvenient for carrying the chair. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3B,the handle is attached to the back 78 proximate the first horizontalframe member 94. In some embodiments, a second handle aligned with thefirst handle is attached to base assembly 50 (not shown in FIG. 3B). Thehandles may include straps, and a hook and loop handle wrap may beprovided to connect any aligned handles.

Accordingly, embodiments of the invention include a chair system 10 witha first leg retention assembly 20 useful for a seating configuration anda second leg retention assembly 30 useful for a stowing configuration.Embodiments of the invention also provide for a compact stowingconfiguration. In some embodiments, the chair has a maximum thickness ofless than about 12 inches (e.g. less than about 10 inches), a maximumwidth between about 25 inches and about 28 inches (e.g. about 26inches), and a maximum height between about 20 inches and about 24inches (e.g., about 22 inches) when in the stowing configuration, yetprovides a full-size chair having a maximum height between about 38inches and about 42 inches (e.g., about 39 inches) (in embodimentsincluding legs with an adjustable length, this height is with the legsadjusted to their maximum length) and a maximum width between about 25inches and about 28 inches (e.g. about 26 inches) when in the seatingconfiguration. Accordingly, some embodiments of the chair have a ratioof a height in the stowing configuration over a height in the seatingconfiguration that is between about 0.5 to about 0.7. Such an embodimentallows the chair to be easily portable while in the stowingconfiguration. Further, embodiments of the invention can achieve thesedimensional results while allowing the base to swivel with respect tothe legs 40, 42, 44, 46 via a swivel system when the chair is in thestowing configuration, and can also provide arms to increase the comfortof a user. In addition, the chair is compact enough to be easily carriedin a bag when it is in the stowing configuration.

Embodiments of the invention also include methods of selectivelyconfiguring any of the various embodiments of chairs described hereinbetween a seating configuration and a stowing configuration. Embodimentsof such methods include one or more of the steps of: attaching ordetaching first, second, third, and fourth legs from a first legretention assembly, attaching or detaching first, second, third, andfourth legs to a second leg retention assembly, folding a base and aback together or apart about a pivot, pivoting first and second armsabout a back, and attaching and detaching first, second, third, andfourth feet from first, second, third, and fourth legs, respectively.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives,modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intendedto embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations, whichfall within the spirit and broad scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A stowable chair system, comprising: a baseassembly; a back pivotably connected to the base assembly; and a firstleg retention assembly operatively coupled to the base assembly toselectively retain and position first, second, third and fourth legs ina seating configuration, and a second leg retention assembly separatefrom the first leg retention assembly to selectively retain and positionthe first, second, third, and fourth legs in a stowing configuration,wherein the back has a first perimeter edge and a second perimeter edgeopposite the first perimeter edge, and a third perimeter edge and afourth perimeter edge opposite the third perimeter edge, and the first,second, third, and fourth legs do not extend beyond any of the first,second, third, or fourth perimeter edges when they are retained by thesecond leg retention assembly in the stowing configuration.
 2. Thestowable chair system of claim 1, wherein the first leg retentionassembly includes first, second, third, and fourth leg attachmentmembers extending from the base assembly.
 3. The stowable chair systemof claim 1, wherein the second leg retention assembly includes a strapsystem.
 4. The stowable chair system of claim 3, wherein the strapsystem includes hook and loop straps.
 5. The stowable chair system ofclaim 1, wherein the second leg retention assembly includes two hook andloop straps attached to the back.
 6. The stowable chair system of claim1, wherein the base assembly defines a plane and the first, second,third, and fourth legs extend from the plane when retained by the firstleg retention assembly in the seating configuration, and the first,second, third, and fourth legs are generally parallel to the plane whenretained by the second leg retention assembly in the stowingconfiguration.
 7. The stowable chair system of claim 1, wherein the baseassembly includes a first base member pivotably connected to the backand a second base member spaced from the first base member, the secondbase member including the first leg retention assembly and beingswivably connected to the first base member by a swivel system.
 8. Thestowable chair system of claim 7, wherein the first base member providesa seating surface for a user.
 9. The stowable chair system of claim 1,further including first and second arms pivotably coupled to the back.10. The stowable chair system of claim 1, wherein the first, second,third, and fourth legs are adjustable in length.
 11. The stowable chairsystem of claim 1, further including first, second, third, and fourthfeet detachably attached to the first, second, third, and fourth legs,respectively, the feet having a portion with a horizontalcross-sectional area greater than a horizontal cross-sectional area ofthe respective legs.
 12. The stowable chair system of claim 11, whereinthe first, second, third, and fourth feet have an upright portionextending into a respective leg when attached, and a horizontal portionfor placing in apposition to a support surface.
 13. The stowable chairsystem of claim 1, wherein the second leg retention assembly retains thefirst, second, third, and fourth legs in parallel to each other.
 14. Thestowable chair system of claim 1, wherein the second leg retentionassembly retains the first, second, third, and fourth legs in a singleplane.
 15. The stowable chair system of claim 1, wherein the second legretention assembly retains the first leg in apposition to the secondleg, the second leg in apposition to the first leg and the third leg,the third leg in apposition to the second leg and the fourth leg, andthe fourth leg in apposition to the third leg.
 16. A stowable chairsystem, comprising: a base assembly; a back pivotably connected to thebase assembly; and a first leg retention assembly operatively coupled tothe base assembly to selectively retain and position first, second,third and fourth legs in a seating configuration, and a second legretention assembly separate from the first leg retention assembly toselectively retain and position the first, second, third, and fourthlegs in a stowing configuration, wherein the back has a first uprightmember and a second upright member spaced from the first upright member,and a first horizontal frame member and a second horizontal memberconnected to the first and second upright members, the second horizontalmember being spaced from the first horizontal member, an area defined bythe first and second upright members and the first and second horizontalmembers being sized to receive the first, second, third, and fourth legswhen the first, second, third, and fourth legs are retained by thesecond leg retention assembly in the stowing configuration.
 17. Thestowable chair system of claim 16, wherein the second leg retentionassembly includes a strap system spanning a distance between the firstand second horizontal members.
 18. The stowable chair system of claim16, further including a substrate spanning an area defined by the firstand second upright members and the first and second horizontal members.19. The stowable chair system of claim 16, wherein the first legretention assembly includes first, second, third, and fourth legattachment members extending from the base assembly.
 20. The stowablechair system of claim 16, wherein the second leg retention assemblyincludes a strap system.
 21. The stowable chair system of claim 16,wherein the base assembly defines a plane and the first, second, third,and fourth legs extend from the plane when retained by the first legretention assembly in the seating configuration, and the first, second,third, and fourth legs are generally parallel to the plane when retainedby the second leg retention assembly in the stowing configuration. 22.The stowable chair system of claim 16, wherein the base assemblyincludes a first base member pivotably connected to the back and asecond base member spaced from the first base member, the second basemember including the first leg retention assembly and being swivablyconnected to the first base member by a swivel system.
 23. The stowablechair system of claim 22, wherein the first base member provides aseating surface for a user.
 24. The stowable chair system of claim 16,further including first and second arms pivotably coupled to the back.25. The stowable chair system of claim 16, wherein the first, second,third, and fourth legs are adjustable in length.
 26. A stowable chairsystem, comprising: a base assembly; a back pivotably connected to thebase assembly; and a first leg retention assembly operatively coupled tothe base assembly to selectively retain and position a plurality of legsin a seating configuration, and a second leg retention assembly separatefrom the first leg retention assembly to selectively retain and positionthe plurality of legs in a stowing configuration, wherein the back has afirst perimeter edge and a second perimeter edge opposite the firstperimeter edge, and a third perimeter edge and a fourth perimeter edgeopposite the third perimeter edge, and the plurality of legs do notextend beyond any of the first, second, third, or fourth perimeter edgeswhen they are retained by the second leg retention assembly in thestowing configuration.
 27. The stowable chair system of claim 26,wherein the second leg retention assembly retains the plurality of legsgenerally parallel to each other.
 28. The stowable chair system of claim27, wherein the base assembly defines a plane and the plurality of legsextend from the plane when retained by the first leg retention assemblyin the seating configuration, and the plurality of legs are generallyparallel to the plane when retained by the second leg retention assemblyin the stowing configuration.
 29. The stowable chair system of claim 28,wherein the base assembly includes a first base member and a second basemember spaced from the first base member, the second base memberincluding the first leg retention assembly and being swivably connectedto the first base member by a swivel system.
 30. The stowable chairsystem of claim 29, wherein the first base member provides a seatingsurface for a user.
 31. The stowable chair system of claim 30, furtherincluding first and second arms pivotably coupled to the back.
 32. Thestowable chair system of claim 30, wherein the second leg retentionassembly includes a strap system.
 33. The stowable chair system of claim32, wherein the strap system includes two joinable strap members. 34.The stowable chair system of claim 30, further comprising a handlestrap.
 35. The stowable chair system of claim 30, wherein the pluralityof legs are adjustable in length.
 36. The stowable chair system of claim35, further including a plurality of feet attached to the plurality oflegs, the plurality of feet having a portion with a horizontalcross-sectional area greater than a horizontal cross-sectional area ofthe plurality of legs.
 37. The stowable chair system of claim 36,wherein the plurality of feet have an upright portion extending into arespective leg, and a horizontal portion for placing in apposition to asupport surface.
 38. A stowable chair system, comprising: a baseassembly; a back pivotably connected to the base assembly; and a firstleg retention assembly operatively coupled to the base assembly toselectively retain and position a plurality of legs in a seatingconfiguration, and a second leg retention assembly separate from thefirst leg retention assembly to selectively retain and position theplurality of legs in a stowing configuration, wherein the back has afirst upright member and a second upright member spaced from the firstupright member, and a first horizontal frame member and a secondhorizontal member connected to the first and second upright members, thesecond horizontal member being spaced from the first horizontal member,an area defined by the first and second upright members and the firstand second horizontal members being sized to receive the plurality oflegs when the plurality of legs are retained by the second leg retentionassembly in the stowing configuration.
 39. The stowable chair system ofclaim 38, further including a substrate spanning an area defined by thefirst and second upright members and the first and second horizontalmembers.
 40. The stowable chair system of claim 38, wherein the baseassembly defines a plane and the plurality of legs extend from the planewhen retained by the first leg retention assembly in the seatingconfiguration, and the plurality of legs are generally parallel to theplane when retained by the second leg retention assembly in the stowingconfiguration.
 41. The stowable chair system of claim 40, wherein thebase assembly includes a first base member pivotably connected to theback and a second base member spaced from the first base member, thesecond base member including the first leg retention assembly and beingswivably connected to the first base member by a swivel system.
 42. Thestowable chair system of claim 41, wherein the first base memberprovides a seating surface for a user.
 43. The stowable chair system ofclaim 42, further including first and second arms pivotably coupled tothe back.
 44. The stowable chair system of claim 41, wherein theplurality of legs are adjustable in length.
 45. The stowable chairsystem of claim 44, wherein the second leg retention assembly includes astrap system.
 46. The stowable chair system of claim 45, wherein thestrap system includes two joinable strap members.
 47. The stowable chairsystem of claim 41, further comprising a handle strap.
 48. The stowablechair system of claim 47, wherein the second leg retention assemblyincludes a strap system.
 49. The stowable chair system of claim 48,wherein the strap system includes two joinable strap members.